Position: Patient Care Technician
Location: La Plata, Maryland
Job Status: Full Time, Hourly
At Alpas Wellness Centers, our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where people heal their minds and bodies, rediscover their purpose, and forge a path of recovery toward a brighter future. Guided by our values—Authenticity, Innovation, Patient and Staff Experience, Compassion, Safety, and Autonomy—we integrate traditional, holistic, and alternative therapies to create individualized treatment plans that truly meet each person where they are.
Alpas Wellness - La Plata is a fully licensed and accredited residential treatment center located in La Plata, Maryland, dedicated to transforming behavioral healthcare through a personalized, whole-person approach. We serve individuals and families navigating substance use disorder and mental health concerns with innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Our thoughtfully designed facility offers a tranquil environment complete with private and shared residential suites, nurses’ stations, community spaces, and biophilic design elements that support healing and comfort.
We are driven by a vision to revolutionize behavioral healthcare. If you're passionate about delivering meaningful care and want to be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future of wellness, we’d love to connect.
For more information, please visit: www.alpaswellnesscenters.org
Job Summary:
The Patient Care Technician (CNA) provides direct patient care to adults receiving withdrawal management and residential substance use disorder treatment at Alpas Wellness La Plata. Working under the supervision of an RN or LPN, the PCT assists with activities of daily living, obtains vital signs, conducts safety rounds and patient observations, supports withdrawal monitoring, and documents care in the electronic medical record.
The PCT also contributes to a safe and therapeutic treatment environment by engaging patients using trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches, applying motivational interviewing and verbal de-escalation techniques, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Obtains and documents vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, and blood glucose readings (if trained and authorized).
Assists patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, grooming, toileting, dressing, meal setup, hydration, and ambulation.
Conducts patient safety rounds and observations at ordered intervals (q15, q30, or q60 minutes), including 1:1 observation for fall, suicide, elopement, withdrawal, or behavioral precautions.
Supports nursing staff during withdrawal monitoring, patient stabilization, admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Assist with blood draw as needed.
Reports changes in patient condition, withdrawal symptoms, falls, behavioral escalation, and safety concerns to the supervising nurse immediately.
Assists with specimen collection, including urine drug screens, as directed.
Prepares equipment, supplies, and patient rooms; supports infection prevention and environmental safety.
Documents patient care tasks accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
Participates in shift reports, huddles, and interdisciplinary communication.
Engages patients using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and patient-centered approaches.
Applies motivational interviewing techniques to support patient engagement in treatment.
Uses verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies to support patients in distress and maintain unit safety.
Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic communication with patients, families, and staff.
Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy.
Other duties as assigned
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
High school diploma or GED required.
Active, valid CNA certification with the Maryland Board of Nursing required.
Current BLS/CPR certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association required.
Six months of experience as a CNA preferred.
Phlebotomy experience preferred.
Valid drivers license.
Previous experience in inpatient behavioral health, detoxification, substance use disorder treatment, psychiatric care, or residential treatment preferred.
Working knowledge of vital signs measurement, ADL support, and basic patient care procedures.
Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) documentation.
Understanding of HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and infection prevention standards.
Ability to apply trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and verbal de-escalation techniques.
Strong observation skills and the ability to recognize and report changes in patient condition.
Clear written and verbal communication with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and therapeutic communication in a behavioral health setting.
Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emergency or crisis situations.
Reliable, team-oriented, and able to work effectively under the direction of licensed nursing staff.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist, and assist with patient mobility and transfers.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to move equipment, supplies, and patient belongings as needed.
Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency or crisis situations.
Ability to perform approved physical interventions in accordance with organizational policy and training.
Schedule:
Compensation:
Benefits:
Paid Time Off
Holiday Rate
401k
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Training and Education Allowance
Alpas Wellness is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
